THE SKINNY: Coach Damien Hardwick said his recruiting team would again be aggressive, believing it had hit the mark with players such as Ivan Maric, Shaun Grigg and Bachar Houli in recent years. The Tigers would like to think they have again done well, grabbing Port Adelaide key defender Troy Chaplin, former Crows forward Chris Knights and North Melbourne's Aaron Edwards, who fell out of favour at Arden Street. The Tigers needed experience in defence and believe Chaplin can be the man to assist Alex Rance. Sent reserve ruckman Angus Graham and a round-three selection to Adelaide in return for a second-round selection.

VERDICT: Were active early, identifying Chaplin and Knights as players that could fill a specific role in a similar manner to what Sydney has successfully done. How Edwards fits into the forward mix will be interesting.

Defied the name and nature of the rookie draft by opting for three players with plenty of football experience. Former Essendon player Lonergan will add depth to the midfield, Petterd proved at times he was a livewire in Melbourne's forward line and the Tigers will hope they can get the same impact out of Stephenson that they did with Ivan Maric in 2012.